Clark State Community College – along with industry-wide partners – continues to strive toward closing skills-gaps in the local workforce. The Clark State Diesel Technology program received a 150-kilowatt generator and engine donated by Cummins Bridegway, LLC based in Michigan. The equipment will allow Clark State students to learn about electric power generation.
Jeffrey Amo, director of technical development for Cummins Bridgeway, said the company works with many schools and determines needs based on the equipment available for donation. Because Clark State is planning to incorporate electrical generation into the curriculum, the diesel program was selected to receive the Cummins engine and generator.
Clark State Diesel Technology Program Coordinator Jacob Whitt said many companies in the diesel technology industry step in to help with student success including Cummins, Dayton Freight, Ohio CAT and more. He cited the “dire need for technicians” in the industry as the reason. “This is one industry in which we haven’t yet seen the peak shortage of workers.”
Amo said power generation represents about 30 percent of their business, and Clark State offers a quality program. “Finding quality technicians that we can bring into our organization is very important to us,” he said. “Finding schools willing to invest in these programs to provide these skills is outstanding.”
Clark State students will begin working on and learning from the new Cummins generator and engine as soon as possible. Dayton Freight delivered the Cummins equipment – valued at roughly $25,000 – to the Miami Valley Technical Center in Clayton, Ohio, on September 15.
Whitt said the need for diesel technicians is growing, and the field is always changing. He encourages students with an interest in IT and computers to consider diesel technology as a career path. “It’s a great career field,” said Whitt. “Especially for someone who has an interest in computers and electronics. Every system on a truck has some kind of computer component. Trucks have come a long way.”
The Clark State Diesel Technology students learn the theory, design, operation, diagnosis, repair and service of diesel engines, power train and chassis, hydraulic systems, electrical systems and fuel injection systems. The program also includes 300 hours of on-the-job training in a co-op work experience. “We try to make it as real-world as possible,” said Whitt. “And the best way they learn is out in the industry.